Homeless charity receives £1,000 from McCormick to continue making a difference in Rochdale

Petrus staff members Jeannie and Wendy have helped prepare over 2,500 meals during lockdown

Local homelessness charity Petrus has received a £1,000 donation from manufacturing company McCormick (UK) Ltd to support vulnerable people in Rochdale.

In the initial nine weeks of lockdown, the team at Petrus prepared over 2,500 meals for service users and residents who have experienced homelessness.

Petrus will use the donation awarded to them by McCormick (UK) Ltd to help fund the weekday takeaway breakfast service at their Hub on Great George Street, as they continue preparing morning meals for rough sleepers in the community.

It will also support the cost of providing essential items such as bedding and towels for new residents moving into Petrus’ supported accommodation, as often individuals will come to the charity with little or no possessions after experiencing homelessness or trauma.

Staff at the charity were delighted to learn that the Passion for Giving and Mc Equal – UK Diversity and Inclusion teams at McCormick (UK) Ltd had nominated and selected Petrus for this donation.

Karen Tyner, Service Lead at Petrus, said: “A massive thank you to the teams at McCormick (UK) Ltd who thought of us and the work we do when looking to make a difference to the lives of people in Rochdale during these challenging times.

“It costs a minimum of £100 to make 100 breakfasts so this donation will make a big difference in ensuring people living on the street can get a free meal.”

Petrus is incredibly grateful for the community support they have received so far but are still looking for help. If you or any businesses can support Petrus at this time, they are currently looking for the following donations:

• Food (e.g. pastas, rice or noodles, vegetables, cooking sauces, meat, mixed tinned food, eggs and milk)
• Tents
• Sleeping bags
• New and unused food containers for our breakfast takeaway service

To arrange drop off at Petrus Hub (73 Great George Street, Rochdale, OL16 1QG), please call their team on 01706 526289 (Monday-Friday, 9am to 4pm).

Alternatively, online donations can really help the charity to fund the various services they provide by visiting:

• www.petrus.org.uk/donate